Testing for Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the United States, per the CDC. While common, chlamydia is curable with proper treatment. If you are sexually active, the CDC recommends getting tested for chlamydia.

What's measured by a chlamydia test?

Chlamydia testing looks for the presence of a specific bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis. The bacteria can be found in the urine or vaginal secretions of an infected person.

When should I get a chlamydia test?

The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing these symptoms refrain from sex until they get tested for chlamydia:

• discharge from the penis
• change in vaginal discharge
• sores or blisters in the genital area
• burning sensations while urinating
• a rash on or near the genital area

Because chlamydia often has no symptoms, the CDC also recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 get tested for chlamydia annually. Women older than 25 should also be tested for chlamydia regularly if they have certain risk factors, such as:

• new sexual partner
• multiple or anonymous sexual partners

Women should also get a chlamydia test if they are pregnant, even if they were tested within the previous year.

Regular chlamydia testing is also recommended for anyone with HIV, or for men who have sex with men.

The CDC recommends that anyone who has had sexual contact with someone who has an STD should also be tested for STDs. There is no one test that checks for all STIs, so while some may require a blood test, others can be tested through urine.

It is important to talk to all sexual partners about STDs and reduce your risk when possible. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with an STD, and practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams.

Not using a condom regularly or properly can also increase your risk of chlamydia and other STDs.

What to expect with a chlamydia test

The two most common tests for chlamydia are a urine test and a swab test. Either, or both, may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Urine testing for Chlamydia

For a urine sample, a health practitioner looks for an increase in white cells present in the urine along with physical symptoms of Chlamydia to diagnose the presence of an infection.

A urine sample can show an increase in white cells for other reasons, which is why urine testing is not the most accurate. Urine sample testing is still used in some cases when a NAAT test is not available or in circumstances such as a young age or other factors.

To get a urine sample, a healthcare professional will instruct you to clean the outside area with a sterilizing wipe, then collect a urine sample in a sterile cup. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

NAAT testing (swab test) for Chlamydia

NAATs are used to detect the presence of many different bacteria or viruses in the body. They work by mixing a sample of cells with a solution that amplifies particular virus or bacteria DNA.

To use a NAAT for Chlamydia testing, a healthcare professional will collect samples of cells from the genitals, anus, or throat. This sample is collected by briefly swabbing the area with a cotton-tipped swab. The swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

In many cases, NAATs can be performed in non-healthcare settings, such as at a women's resource center or crisis pregnancy center. A healthcare professional may give you instructions for collecting your own sample by swabbing yourself with the NAAT.

Before the test

While there are usually no specific instructions necessary prior to a chlamydia test, the CDC notes that it can often be helpful to avoid using the restroom for at least two hours before your doctor's appointment so that you will be able to provide enough urine.

It is also recommended that you discuss any additional preparations with your healthcare provider prior to scheduling your test.

During the test

For a urine test, your healthcare provider will ask you to use a sterile cup to collect urine from the first part of your urine stream.

This process, known as a first-catch urine sample, is important for collecting urine that contains the highest number of bacterial organisms. A first-catch urine sample may be different from the type of urine sample you are asked to provide at a routine doctor's appointment or annual exam, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

With a swab test, your doctor or nurse will use a swab to collect cells from the genital area (just inside the urethra in men and just inside the vagina in women).

For women, testing can be done during a routine Pap test. If you prefer, you may ask your doctor if you can do the swab test yourself. For men, a slim swab may be inserted into the end of the penis. In some cases, a swab may be taken from the anus.

After the test

Following a chlamydia test, it is recommended to abstain from further sexual activity until after the test results are received.

If your test results indicate an active chlamydia infection, you should consult your healthcare provider regarding next steps (treatment) and ensure you avoid spreading the infection to others. You should also contact your recent sexual partners so that they can get tested and treated as well.

Finding a chlamydia test

Testing for chlamydia is a fairly simple process. If you have a primary care provider, the test would be most commonly ordered by them. The test could be conducted at a medical laboratory, urgent care center, doctor's office, or community health clinic.

If you are not under the care of a physician, a chlamydia test can be ordered for yourself online through Solv.

Once you've ordered the test online, you will be sent to a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-approved lab for your test with a physician consultation made available to you following a positive test result.

Can I get a chlamydia test at home?

Some home tests will allow you to test for chlamydia and other STDs. However, the CDC does not recommend home tests for anyone who has active symptoms or who has had sexual contact with someone who has tested positive for chlamydia.

This is because home tests will need to be sent to a laboratory, and results can take several days. There is also a higher chance of getting a false negative result from a home test, due to user error.

If you are at high risk for chlamydia, the CDC recommends that you be tested by a doctor near you so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Cost of a chlamydia test

Chlamydia treatment costs can vary depending on factors such as location, healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. On average, without insurance, the cost of a chlamydia test ranges from $50 to $200. However, with insurance, the cost can be significantly lower or even covered entirely.

At-home tests are generally cheaper than seeing a healthcare provider, however, at-home tests have a higher rate of false negative results and may take much longer to get results.

More information about chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a very common STI that affects the genital or rectal area. More than 1.5 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2020 making chlamydia one of the most common STIs in the United States. While chlamydia is common, it is also easily curable with antibiotic treatment.

Chlamydia symptoms to watch for

It is often that chlamydia presents no symptoms even with an active infection. Chlamydia may be tested for with or without symptoms of the infection. The CDC says that when symptoms are present, they may vary depending on the person and the specific infection. Below are common chlamydia symptoms and how they may present between women and men.

Chlamydia symptoms in women

• burning sensation during urination
• increased urination
• vaginal discharge
• pain during sexual intercourse
• lower abdomen pain
• bleeding or spotting between periods
• sore throat
• inflammation of the cervix

Chlamydia symptoms in men

• increased urination
• burning sensation during urination
• discharge from the penis
• pain or swelling of the testicles